With over 20 years of experience covering the Steelers for the Observer-Reporter, Dale Lolley will let you know the insider scoop. Dale can also be heard on the Steelers radio network pre-game show on WDVE-FM game days and Tuesday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. on ESPN 970-AM and WDVE during the season as a host of the Antonio Brown Show. Follow him on Twitter at @dlolleyor

Tuesday, May 05, 2015

Biggest rookie impact

I've done some radio interviews and been asked otherwise on the streets which rookie I think will have the biggest impact for the Steelers this season.

There's actually several good choices.

Though I think first-round pick Bud Dupree is raw and isn't ready to be a full-time player anytime soon, I do think he can make an impact on special teams and as a situational pass rusher.

And considering outside linebackers coach Joey Porter is planning on rotating his top four linebackers, Dupree should get a chance to contribute sharing time with Arthur Moats.

I liked cornerbacks Senquez Golson and Doran Grant before the draft and the fact the Steelers got both of them was a bonus.

Both had second-round talent and it wouldn't surprise me to see both play this season and make major contributions on special teams.

But I think Golson is more likely to step into the nickel role and make an impact - though it wouldn't shock me if Grant forced his way into the package with his solid speed and tackling skills.

Wide receiver Sammie Coates will have a tough time breaking into the lineup, much as Martavis Bryant did a year ago. Of course, once Bryant did start playing, he made a major impact, the biggest of any rookie on the roster.

I don't see a similar path for Coates this season, however.

Jesse James should win a spot as the No. 3 tight end, but it's tough to predict big things for him in that role.

As for the other picks, if they earn spots on the roster, they'll likely be inactive on game days - unless they prove to be special teams stars.

I'm going to go with Golson making the biggest impact this season as a rookie. He'll be my favorite to win the Joe Greene Great Performance Award given to the team's top rookie, with Dupree and Grant being darkhorses.

I see Sammie Coates getting a crack at kick returns. I've always loved the big fast guys (a la Josh Cribs) who can break some tackles. Could be a huge contributor.

PS. Mr. Collins Why wouldn't you want to come and sign with a stable organization with a hall of fame player as your position coach while getting to pass block for a future hall of fame QB and maybe the best RB in the league? Just saying.

Coates as a kick returner? The last thing I want to see is a guy with suspect hands trying to field kicks or punts. Let's get him catching consistently, then we can consider expanded roles.

I think Grant winds up making the biggest impact. He has leadership experience, a more than marginal size advantage (small height advantage but a significant weight advantage) and is a little better of a tackler. I can see them being used in different ways, really, with Golson coming on for the more certain pass plays and Grant playing in the nickel when there is a greater chance of a run.

I think it will be Golson. I think he'll play and the shorter CB is a good adjustment in draft strategy given our scheme. Golson will be above average in preventing yards after the catch and tackling which is what the defense needs. The big advantages are the facts that short CBs are currently undervalued in the draft and that a QB can't just throw the ball into his area unless he's confident his guy is going to catch it.

Golson will play because he'll get a couple of early picks and while I also think Dupree will play a lot and do well I think Golson's turnovers will be viewed as more significant.

The wild card for me is actually Holliman. It's really sort of stupid to dismiss a guy for not giving up his body for free in college. I agree it's a huge red flag but tackling is a decision to trade your health for a paycheck. If he makes the right choice he could start at some point this year at FS. He could still have shoulder damage though so we'll just have too see.

emac, if what you're saying about Holliman is true then the guy is a freakin genious. But there's less than a 1% chance of that being so. You dont suddenly become adept at tackling and are able to hide it to "preserve your body"

I would imagine kids learn how to do things like that in college all the time. I don't think he was suddenly adept and hiding it. Not learning proper technique due to an injury is different and doesn't prevent him from learning it now that it's the difference between playing in the league or not.

As long as he's healthy and smart enough to know his paycheck options I think he can figure out tackling.

Hey Dale - From pc, your layout isn't working as planned. If you click on article title to expand the article and read the comments, the font on the comments shrinks to an unreadable size along with no place to add comments.

When you click directly on the comments link (from the main screen) all is ok.

There is just a completely different user experience when you click on the article title to expand the article.

the punishment handed down by goodell will be determined by how much the other 31 teams chirp in his ear about how pissed off they may or may not be. those 31 other teams voted him in and can vote him out as well. that's who has leverage right now.

Anyone have Goodell's email address? I wanted to talk to him about if he truly believes that a certain organization has learned it's lesson from "Spygate" or this is just a way of doing business for this organization?

Am I crazy, I don't want the game without Brady.... How can we start our year thinking we won (but did we really?). This team will be better with hard fought wins, not gimmes. I hate the Pats, but can we all really accept that kind of win? We are just fans, does it help the team? Sorry, venting. I think they should be tainted from the early 2000's, but such is life.

A to my A, Yes, I guess in a sense, you are right. I just want the attitude back. But you are right, a win is a win. But think of the motivation if they met them in the playoffs............. Take care bud